Reply by paratrooper34

Groy87, the tapers you describe on your block plane are normal for some types. I used to have one exactly like that. The only downside to that style body is it is difficult to use them for cleaning up rabbets or other profiles where a 90 degree angle is encountered. But for regular service as a block plane, that style works just fine. Additionally, the pitting you describe won’t affect performance. Just clean it up best you can and put it to use. I have a couple of planes that have some minor pitting left after cleaning them up and it does not affect the performance whatsoever.